It does not take long—first you sign up for a few business-related newsletters and join a list serve or two to help you keep your finger on the pulse as you build your home-based business, and before you know it—you’ve got an e-mail inbox chock full of STUFF, more stuff than you could ever actually get to and read, let alone respond to…
Recently, in preparation for a business trip that I am taking in September, I signed up for some frequent flyer programs on a couple different airlines. Now, every day, I get 3-4 newsletters and e-mails deposited in my e-mail inbox regarding special travel deals and “important information.” And this is just from a couple of airlines, it doesn’t take into account business-related e-mails that I get from web sites I’ve visited or other groups I’ve joined. In the beginning, I thought the connection might be a good thing and I would have access to current information without my going to look for it. Of course, this is true, but while a little might be a good thing, a lot is overwhelming.
I am guessing that I am not alone and that there are others of you out there who were well-intentioned but who now have an incredible amount of business-related (but not revenue-related) e-mails showing up on a daily basis. I’ve learned that it is possible to “unsubscribe”—but it will take some effort. Each of these e-mails arrives with a caveat attached (usually at the bottom) which tells you where to go to unsubscribe. Simply deleting or sending it to your junk mail folder will not stop the newsletter or e-mails from arriving—you have to take the effort to go back and make contact in order to get OFF the list. If you don’t have the time to unsubscribe, you can always change your e-mail address—but then you’ll have the hassle of informing everyone that your address has changed. Either way, it’s going to take a little bit of effort. Maybe “delete” is easier after all…
Also: Keeping All Your E-mail Accounts Organized
Giving Your E-mail Out on Message Boards
Why E-mail is the Best Customer Service